What is Type 1 Diabetes? Facts About Type 1 Diabetes

What is type 1 diabetes? When you learn of a diagnosis of type 1
diabetes, you are likely to have many pressing questions about the
disease. This article shares the basic facts you need to know to answer
the question, what is type 1 diabetes?

"This form of diabetes usually strikes children and young adults,
although disease onset can occur at any age. In adults, type 1 diabetes
accounts for 5 to 10 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes" (1).
Because type 1 diabetes can strike at a young age the disease has been
referred to as juvenile-onset diabetes.

What is type 1 diabetes cause?

Type 1 diabetes develops due to a problem with the beta cells of the
pancreas. These cells stop working properly causing an inability to
produce insulin. Insulin is needed by your body to control blood sugar
levels so a person with type 1 diabetes requires insulin to manage their
blood sugar.

This dependence on insulin is why type 1 diabetes was previously called insulin-dependent diabetes.

There is still more to be learned about what causes
this disease but risk factors have been identified. These risk factors
include autoimmune disease, genetic or environmental factors. There is
no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes.

What is type 1 diabetes symptoms?

Symptoms may develop quickly, over a few weeks or months and can include:

Frequent urination

Increased thirst

Increased hunger

Unexplained weight loss

Chronic fatigue

Vision changes such as blurred vision

Skin irritation or rashes

Bruises or cuts that do not heal well

You should consult your doctor immediately if any of the above symptoms are noticed.

What is type 1 diabetes treatments?

If you are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, you will be dependent on
insulin for the rest of your live. Insulin is administered through daily
injections that you learn to deliver yourself or through the use of an
insulin pump, which can be worn throughout the day.

Though insulin is required, there are self-management
recommendations that will help a patient with type 1 diabetes lead a
healthier life. These recommendations include, following diabetic diet
guidelines, being more physically active, controlling weight, and
closely monitoring blood sugar levels.